The Carolina Panthers made some notable cuts, but also filled out their practice squad in anticipation of their first game.
The Carolina Panthers have been busy over the weekend. They had to cut the rosterdown to 53 guys. The team had to sign the practice squad. They have to get ready for the Denver Broncos and their new starting quarterbackTrevor Siemian. All of these moves have had their little surprises as the Panthers are now two days away from starting the season.
The first surprise was the cuts. The Panthers cut a couple of players who seemed to have longer term futures with the team. They cut drafteesZack SanchezandBeau Sandland. They cut project undrafted rookieKeyarris Garrett. The Panthers also cutWes Horton, who had been the team for a couple of years now.
Of these cuts, Sanchez was the biggest surprise. The Panthers had made a big deal about how they liked all three of their rookie cornerbacks. Sanchez was the lowest drafted and least physical. WhileDaryl WorleyandJames Bradberrywere six footers or more, Sanchez was a little shorter and a lot lighter. He had been perceived as a nickel back.
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Throughout the preseason, the Panthers seemed comfortable with the two rookies on the wings andBene Benwikerein the nickel for those situations. That is an arrangement not unlike the one they had withCharles Tillmanlast year. In the end, the Panthers must not have seen enough from Sanchez to keep him on the active roster overRobert McClainor special teams aceTeddy Williams. More on Sanchez in a bit.
Stevie Brownalso made a short appearance on the Panthers roster. The veteran was brought in to bolster the safety, but his performance in the 4thpreseason game must have left the Panthers unconvinced. Three safeties can work, and my guess is that the Panthers have some more confidence inColin Jonesas the primary backup. They did not go get a safety from some other team’s cuts.
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The practice squad answered some questions about the guys who were cut. Sanchez, Sandland, and Garrett all returned to the fold as part of the squad. This means the Panthers can continue to develop them for the future. Notably the Panthers addedTravell DixonandMarcus Ballto the squad, meaning there are two easy to find safeties if they need them.
The Panthers did add a player not from their training camp when they claimedLavar Edwardsoff of waivers. The former LSU defensive lineman has bounced around the league for four years. He is 6’4” and weighs 275 lbs. He will take over whatever role was vacated by Horton.
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That is a quick summary of the busy transactions period. Now the Panthers have to rush things together to meet a very familiar foe, the Denver Broncos.
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